When asked by the Texas Independent if he agrees with Fischer’s remarks, Perry spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger described AFA as “an organization that promotes safe and strong families” and claimed that “other controversial statements made have nothing to do with what the Governor is trying to promote”:

“Governor Perry is looking forward to the event. AFA is an organization that promotes safe and strong families. These controversies aren’t relevant to the event, Governor Perry is focused on what he is trying to accomplish, which is bringing America together in prayer for the nation.”

Asked again if Perry agrees with Fischer, she said, “This event is about prayer focused on bringing America together for challenges faced, these comments don’t have anything to do with this event.”

She added, “[Perry] is very clear with his faith. His priority with this event is bringing people together.”

She also said, “Those statements and other controversial statements made have nothing to do with what the Governor is trying to promote.”

Almost every Republican presidential candidate has described the AFA as a legitimate Christian group, appearing on Fischer’s radio show and endorsing some of his extreme policy prescriptions. Newt Gingrich has provided $125,000 to the group and also refused to condemn Fischer when confronted with his statements by ThinkProgress.